When Will Josh Jung Return and Be Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

Armed with immense raw power, Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has been as advertised in his young big league career.

After debuting with five homers in just 26 games in the 2022 season, Jung slugged 23 homers alongside a .782 OPS across an injury-shortened 122 games in his rookie, age-25 season in 2023. He was off to a hot start this time around, going 7-for-17 (.529) with a double, a triple, and a pair of homers across just 19 trips to the plate.

Unfortunately, Jung suffered a fractured right wrist when he was hit by a pitch during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 2, sending him for surgery and a trip to the 60-day injured list. Let's check in on the slugger's current status and what fantasy managers can expect upon his return to game action.

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Josh Jung Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

There's excellent news on Jung's progression from his wrist injury as he has been cleared for baseball activities after playing catch on Tuesday. Ground balls and perhaps hitting off a tee are coming next for the 26-year-old as he continues to gradually return to action.

Texas Rangers 3B Josh Jung cleared for on-field activities. His bat has been missedhttps://t.co/1nQx6uEwA1

— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) May 15, 2024

Now, this isn't to say a return is imminent. There are plenty of boxes to cross off before a return to the lineup can be considered, including a rehab assignment at a date to be determined. The good news is Jung is progressing well as fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his progression in the coming days and weeks.

Josh Jung Fantasy Baseball Outlook

There's no doubt fantasy managers will welcome Jung back with open arms as he provides big-time power and gets put into plenty of run-producing and run-scoring opportunities out of either the three- or five-hole in a potent Rangers lineup.

That's not to say he doesn't come with some flaws. Although he improved his walk and strikeout rates from his 2022 debut to his 2023 rookie season, a 5.8% BB% and 29.3% K% from 2023 leave plenty to be desired. His BB/K figures weren't nearly as poor throughout his minor-league tenure, so perhaps there is some improvement to be had, such as his 0.50 BB/K through a tiny 19 plate appearances to begin this season.

Nonetheless, we know what we're getting from Jung right now. A wealth of raw power along with healthy counting stats and some swing-and-miss. He remains an upper-tier third baseman with an attractive ceiling in his sophomore season.

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